| Title | : | Sacrifice |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published June 22, 2015 |
And then tragedy strikes again.
Julia’s only hope lies in the last place she wants to look—in Crew Gentry. Her husband’s brother is broody. Irresponsible. He’s broken her heart more than once and let her down every time she’s needed him.
Until now.
Crew steps up, spotting an opportunity to atone for his sins. He’s determined to fix the disaster wrecking their lives. But the only way to make things right might require him to put more than his heart on the line.
He might have to sacrifice it all.
Sacrifice Reviews
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Have you ever read a story, sat back when it was finished, closed your eyes and just cried? I have. With this book. I cried happy tears, I cried sad tears. What could have been and what will be tears. It was one of the most emotional, poignant, perfect stories that I've ever read. It's one that will stay with me forever and I'm okay with that because I never want to let these characters go.
I'm a huge fan of Adriana, respect her as a peer, and I can honestly say that I loved her other books, the characters that reach out and grab you. But Crew, Crew is my favorite. He's a mans man. He's your regular, hard working man. He's my husband. I don't mean my book husband (although he's that too) I mean he's MY husband. He wears his Carharts and busts his ass to provide for his family. He makes SACRIFICES every single day, willingly, to make sure we're taken care of. Thats why I say Crew is my husband. He may be yours too. I love reading about those millionaire business men, untouchable athletes, groupie loving rock stars but nothing beats a blue collar man. A relatable, struggling to pay the bills, getting it done, blue collar man. I dare you not to fall in love with him and his rough and tough exterior. Don't even get me started on the bromance between him and his cousin Will, who I am positive was written with me in mind.
Julia. She is the most down to earth, strong, relatable, I wanna be your friend, heroine I have ever read. She's strong and resilient. She fights and fights and then fights some more just to get through the day. I love her. I love her dedication and determination. She's a mama bear, a fierce warrior of a mama bear.I can't say enough good things about the depth of this character.
All in all this story is everything. It wrecked me, put me back together and then wrecked me again. It made me stop and think.Made me hug my kids and thank my husband .It put things into perspective and it gave me the feels. Feels upon feels! For sure one of my favorite stories of all time, and one I'll read again and again. -
4.5 stars!
Sacrifice is the perfect title for this book. Both of these main characters make huge sacrifices for the ones they love. This was a heavily emotional read, but those are my favorite. I loved both Crew and Julia, and little Everleigh.
Julia has been through more tragedy than any woman should. She lost her husband, and now, it’s struck again. Crew Gentry is Julia’s brother in law, but he also dated Julia way back when. He still loves her. She hates depending on him, but with her daughter in the mix, she now has no choice. I loved this second chance love story. Crew was pretty fantastic. It brought me to tears thinking of what he was willing to give up to help his two girls. Julia is also a great character. She is just as much of a fighter as Crew, just in a different way.
This is a slow building second chance romance that is heavy on the emotions and light on the steam. I love these heart wrenching stories. I listened to the audio and the narration was good. The ending left me with a smile on my face. 4.5 stars! -
*****4.5 STARS*****
Unfiltered review...
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Somebody decided to step outside of their comfort zone and veer away from the typical romance books they normally write.
This is not your sweet, hearts and flowers kind of love story. It’s grimy and deep and true and real. If you are looking for a light read, then this is not the book for you. But if you are looking for a book they may cause real emotions and you’re ready to put your feelings out there, here you go.
Sacrifice is the perfect name for this book. Everything was on the line and it was only real love and sacrifice that could save everyone.…When you’re left alone, your world ripped from under you, you start fighting.
Fighting to live.
Fighting to survive.
Frighting to protect what little you have left. – Crew
I’m not normally one who likes reading books that involves the suffering of children in any form but this story was beautiful to me. This book drew me in from the very beginning.
Julia is a beautiful and unbelievably strong mama who is fighting everyday to survive and provide for her 5 year old daughter, Everleigh. Which by the way is the cutest name – besides Ava of course because that’s my daughter’s name. Julia is a wonderful portrayal of what a woman looks like when they’re backed into a corner. I personally believe that there is anything stronger in the world than a mother fighting for her children.
Crew is a man who has a world of guilt on his shoulders. His pain is literally pouring off the pages. It was impossible for me to not love him and wish him the best in life. I found myself rooting for a man who may or may not have been responsible for the suffering of loads of people – it’s really how one views the situation. Like how his actions pushed Julia into the arms of another man in the past.
Julia was Crew’s first love and his only love. Crew was Julia’s first love but when he left her many years ago, his brother, Gage became her next love.
When push came to shove Crew was tested to see if he could be the man others thought he could be. But he refused to leave his family’s side. He worked tiredly doing back breaking work for long hours to ensure those he loved could have everything they needed.
It was very obvious to everyone that Crew loved Julia, but he respected his brother, Gage, who was also Julia’s deceased husband, enough to keep his feelings a secret. But you can’t hide love no matter how hard you try. His regret ate him alive everyday. He wanted the ability to love her in the open, but didn’t know how to get there.
Whether or not Crew was willing to express his true feelings for Julia made no difference in him taking care of her and Everleigh. What I admired about him as a man was that whenever Julia would push him away and refuse his help, he never left. To him it was non-negotiable.
Julie never believed that Crew would stay. She believed that he would abandon Everleigh and wanted to make sure he never got a chance to disappoint her. But at the end of the day, when push came to shrug, her ex-husband Gage, knew that Crew would man up and never leave.
I really enjoyed getting to know Gage through the eyes of Julia and Crew, it was quite fascinating.
At one point during the story life knocks these two down and this is where Crew has to step up or sit the fuck down. Personally, I never questioned Crew’s ability. Crew would put his life on the line and do anything and everything that needed to be done in order to make sure Julia and Everleigh got what they needed. Literally…his life, his sacrifice.
Julia’s fight became his fight. There isn’t anything sexier than a loyal man. That is a panty dropping quality right there!!!
“We are in this together. For as long as I live, every battle you face is mine, too.” I say, leaning in like I’m telling her a secret. “I’m one helluva fighter.” – Crew
That’s not too surprising because Crew has loved Julia ever since they first met her as teenagers. I found myself mesmerized by these two.
If you couldn’t tell already, I was enthralled by this book and would recommend it for those who aren’t looking for a cookie cutter story. If you want to see what Adriana Locke can do when she’s not writing little sworn worthy, typical books – here you go.
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I've loved both of the stories Adriana Locke has given us. Her hot, cocky, alpha males and southern gentlemen are what book boyfriends are made of. But something about this story is different. Something has changed. This story came from somewhere different and with every word that I read I was very aware that that place was her heart. Crew Gentry isn't a book boyfriend, he's a hero. He's a man you want on your side when the chips are down and you have no where else to turn. Because he will prove without a doubt that a real man won't just talk the talk, he'll walk the walk! This story far surpassed anything I expected. This story will own you.
These characters are real, raw. Their story is as tragic as it is uplifting. They come from nothing, they have nothing. Barely enough money, no fancy cars or big houses. What they do have is love, strength, resilience and a will to survive.
It seems as though Jules has been fighting her entire life. Fighting to overcome her worthless parents. Fighting to survive the loss of her first love, only to love and lose again. She has battled over and over and now she's faced with the biggest fight she'll ever endure. And the one she may very well lose.
"She is a fighter. Take fucking notes."
Crew has also been fighting his entire life, but for all the wrong reasons. He's been fighting for himself without any regard for how his actions have affected others. That is until he realizes the most important fight he could ever take on is one that if he loses he would lose far more than just his pride. Faced with the ultimate sacrifice he realizes he needs to "man the fuck up!" And that his sacrifice could be forever but more importantly that it would always be for Ever!
"I'm not praying for a victory, I'm not asking for him to lose. All I ask of you is that you do with me whatever you need to in order to clear my girls of any harm."
So poignant and so profound I found myself falling more and more in love with this story with each page turn. The character transitions are seamless and perfectly paced. This story touched me beyond words and will stay with me for a long time. -
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Sacrifice
AUTHOR: Adriana Locke
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
PUBLICATION: July 13thth 2015
MY RATING: 5 STARS
This is the first time I've encountered or read anything by this author before so I'm pretty keen to see what she's going to bring..
This book was a beautiful emotional story about letting go, forgiveness, second chances, and sacrifices..
The reason why I'm rating this at 5 stars is because of the unique story line, the emotional connection the author brought out of me when reading this, the questions that raced through my mind, the what if I was in that situation what would I do, where would I turn etc etc
Ok shoot me but is it so bad that I signed up to read this because of the freaking hot cover!! Hello my name is Kat Fenton and I am a cover hoe!!
And then I saw the teasers *wipes chin* F*ck me!!
The reviews look amazing for this!! So I'm nailing up a DO NOT DISTURB sign, turning off the phone and I'm going to start this now!!
Julia's husband Gage died 2 agonizing years ago and Julia still finds herself in the throes of grief..
Forgive me father for I have sinned, I am soooooo ready to meet CREW, gods even the name sounds cray cray HOT!!
I am so ready to get SCREWED!!*coughs* I mean CREWED!!
You know the kind of books that just drag and pull you into the story, the kind that make you feel, the kind where you connect with the story line the characters with what the author is trying to make you see, feel, well this is one of those books!!
LOVED BY TWO BROTHERS
“This is the way this is going to happen from here on out. Listen carefully, take notes if you gotta, but by God, pay attention. You are moving in with me. I’m taking care of you and Everleigh, at least until she’s better. Once that happens, and it will happen, Jules, then if you want to leave, we’ll discuss. But I’m drawing a fucking line in the sand right now and it’d do ya some good not to cross it.”
How do you lean on someone who you blame for your husbands death? How do you lean on that someone when you're scared he's going to do what he's best at and walk away?
I never thought I’d be facing the day I’m moving in with Crew Gentry.
It's so easy to get into, feel what Julia feels with the day to day struggle of making ends meet, trying to keep her and her daughters heads above water, the emotional struggle of a sick child, those feelings are real..
There is soooo much depth to this story, it's not just about a fighter, or a love story, or a tragic death, or even the hot cover that will get us cover hoes panting, it could be about real life, what happens in this book could be happening to someone in the world, and that's what makes this book so heartbreakingly real..
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DNF 40%
I didn't like the characters, the writing or the narrators. 😬 -
I've had Sacrifice on my TBR ever since one of my reader friends got to read it early and fell in love. I finally got to read it, and oh my gosh, am I glad I did. I always go for the more emotional stories, and Sacrifice definitely had me swimming in the feels. It's sad and profound, but throughout the story, I felt hope and belief building. I loved the way Adriana was able to capture the intense love between Crew and Julia, without belittling the love of Julia's first husband. That's an emotion that's very tricky to pull off, and Adriana did it beautifully! And Crew...Crew is just the perfect alpha male...there to protect, defend, and SACRIFICE. So good!
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I finished reading Sacrifice at 5:25AM crying my eyes out (happy tears? Sad tears? I am not telling). This book had me feeling so many emotions. It was such an AMAZING book. Ever was one of the sweetest girl I read about. This book was unpredictable,emotional, hot and sweet at the same time.
Julia tried to stay so strong for her daughter. It is not easy being a single parent and doing everything on your own (it wasn't easy asking for help). I respect that a lot, but at some point you have to let family help especially when it is too much to handle on your own. Crew was there to lift some of the heavy baggage of her shoulder, however more baggage was piling up. This book had a steady pace and the writing style was great.
I am definitely going to add the other books by Adriana on my TBR list! -
destroyed.... I am going to need a few days before I even think of picking up another book. #myhearthurts
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5 Stars
Julia Gentry's world fell apart two years ago when her husband died. Getting her life back on track and raising her daughter, feels like a constant battle especially when the person she holds responsible won't give up trying to right his mistakes.
Crew Gentry walked away from the girl he loved, only to return home to find her in the arms of his brother. After a life threatening end to a fight destroys his dreams, his life spirals out of control. Living everyday with the guilt that his brothers death was his fault and that the woman he loves will never forgive him.
This is a first for me from this author and I swear it won't be my last, even hours after finishing this, I'm still thinking about it. This was such a beautiful story. Crew never gave up trying to right his wrongs with Julia, no matter how many times she told him to leave he kept coming back. He adored his Niece Everleigh and the bond between them melted my heart. When Julia received some devastating news, Crew really stepped up to the plate, he was prepared to sacrifice everything and I really do mean everything to get whatever it took to make things right.
The relationship between Julia and Crew was a slow burn, going from tolerating each other for the sake of Everleigh, to friends, then to Lovers. I felt like I made that journey right there along side them.
"Just know I loved you then and I love you now. As a matter of fact, you’re the only person I’ve ever loved and the only person I’ll ever love.”
I was completely submerged within the pages. You know that feeling you have when reading, that one where you have butterflies in you're tummy and hope in you're heart, while utter dread of what's to come occupies you're mind. I had that in spades from about 40% onwards, this is the first book in a while that has made me really feel and I'm so glad I took a chance and picked this baby up.
I loved every word, I fell HARD for Crew, I wanted to befriend Julia, cuddle the hell out of Ever and Will, god damn you Adriana Locke you better give me more Will!
“You know my type: a little bit of sugar, a little bit of spice, and a hint of whore.” Will.
If your looking for a second chance romance, with a slow burn and a bundle of emotion this is definitely a book I'd recommend.
This is a standalone novel told from Duel POV's. -
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★★★★4 Fighting Stars★★★★
I haven't read a book this fast in a really long time but I couldn't help myself.This book completely sucked me in and made me getting nothing done.I didn't leave my house today and the only time I moved was to take a freakin bathroom break.Crew Gentry you have completely destroyed me!!
Julia Gentry has been a widow for the past two years and is barely holding it together.She goes through the motions and she struggles everyday to move on and have a life while taking care of her daughter.But it's not so easy when the one person that you blame for your husband's death keeps showing up and being a permanent fixture in your life.Crew Gentry is that person and he doesn't plan on leaving.
"I've accepted that she's gonna hate me for the rest of her life.She's accepted that I won't go away".
Crew blames himself for his brother's death and what he's feeling is not only guilt but remorse.He loved Julia once and they were the perfect couple until he messed that up sending her into his brother's arm.Trying to get back in julie' good graces is not going to be an easy fight but he likes a challenge.
What they weren't expecting was to be facing another tragedy if certain things were not done.This causes Crew to take matters into his own hands and do something that nearly killed him years ago.How far will he go and at what cost?
I really liked that this was a slow build and it took time and we got to see Crew and Julia go from her not tolerating him, to friendship then to being lovers.What I also loved was the build up to Crew's decision.Would he really risk it all for "his girls"? I was on the edge of my seat and then two words that I didn't want to see came up.I had a mini heart attack but I turned the page and everything turned out beautifully.
"Listen carefully, take notes if you gotta,but by God,pay attention....I'm drawing a fucking line in the sand right now and it'd do ya some good not to cross it".
This story is about fighting for the ones that you love and sacrificing everything but at the same time seek forgiveness and have a second chance.At love, at a one time dream and having a family.I loved every moment of this story and I'm praying like hell that Will gets his own book because he needs it.
"It's easy to be a man when you are the man, when life is easy and you're shitting roses.But the true test of a man is how he handles things when life gets tough". -
This just freaking messed me up. This messed me up so bad I had to hold my breath the entire time reading the epilogue.
This book was so heart-wrenching. I cried myself silly tons of times. Seriously. This book was so painful to read I had to stop reading during the hardest parts. Which was a lot. Holy hell, I will hold this story close to my heart for the rest of my life.
The way the story was written was really great. Each word gutted me and tugged at my heartstrings in the most beautiful and agonizing manner. It was flawless. Each character was written so beautifully they felt real, and they are real in some way because everything that happened in this book is based in reality. That's a fact. And that's why it hit me real hard. That's why the emotions this book took from me were painfully heartbreaking because it's real life.
If you want some tear-jerking read, ohmigod, you won't regret this. -
Sacrifice was an okay book. I enjoyed some parts of the story but what really made me struggle was the pace. It was too slow for my taste and my attention wandered away numerous times. I liked Crew and he was definitely my highlight of the story. He tried to redeem himself for his past mistakes and succeeded in my opinion.
I struggled with Julia. Her animosity towards Crew was strong and I felt it was resolved way too quickly.
When they got together I had difficulty feeling their chemistry but their many years of history together made up for that because their memories and flashbacks were great.
Overall I liked this book but I expected something different and more.
3 BadAssDirtyManUpStars -
A cute, sweet second chance read with two really likeable characters and the sweetest little girl Everleigh.
Trigger warning -
I just finished Sacrifice and I just loved it. Julia's husband Gage has died and 2 years later she is still heartbroken. She has to deal with barely being able to pay bills and take care of her daughter, Everleigh. What makes matters worse is Crew, Gage's brother and her one time ex is always trying to help. She doesn't want his help. It's bad enough he is responsible for Gage's death even though it was unintentional. You can understand the bitterness and guilt that's involved with them two. Something happens that will appear out of nowhere where both Julia and Crew will have to settle their differences to be able to get through this next obstacle. Just read this story. This will make your heart break while hoping and praying for a happily ever after.
I loved this story. The plot has been done before buts it's done with originality that had me from the get go and leaving me dragging ass the next day because I couldn't put this down. The characters were likable and had that vulnerability that make them real to me. I loved the secondary characters, they had a lot of depth and brought a lot to their story. This really is a gem and I am so lucky to have been able to read it.
Trust me, you must read this!
Story 5
Sex 4
Overall 5
Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore -
This book was amazing, and beautiful, and just had so many feels!! Ahh, I want to read it all over again!
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3 Stars..... Oh Gosh, this was another very conflicted read for me:(
SPOILERS AHEAD: Read with CAUTION!!!!!!!
OK, so I finished this last night and when I woke up, I still felt the same. Sometimes I read a book and while left to ponder, it actually gives me time for it to sink in and sometimes I realize, hey, I loved it. This story wasn't that feeling for me.
What I didn't like:
Sex with OW...yea for me I don't want to read a graphic sex scene with lead male with other women, yes, it was just one and before they got together BUT I hated every second of it:( Sorry, sometimes I can be ok with it but in this story, no I wasn't!
Depressing, depressing, depressing, YES, I KNOW that was the "theme" of the story in a sense but gosh, it was just a sad read from start to finish, even their time together which btw wasn't long enough at all for me, was overshadowed by doom and gloom!
I truly hated knowing how he treated her way back when, ughhhh, sorry I know it was when they were "kids" but it just was a total turn off for me. I found it so hard to connect with them and then learning his brother was really near perfect didn't help either, lolololol, sometimes you get a back story on what you thought was perfect only to realize, hmmmm he wasn't but in this case yes, the dead brother Gage WAS near perfect. I get that Crew's "sacrifice" was part to do with it for giving her up BUT, no, just a big no for me.
Ever, omg, I LOVED this kid. She may have been the brightest star in this story for me.....
I wanted and needed to see Crew's reaction to the pregnancy and yet didn't get that. The epilogues were ehhhh just ok and I feel that way because I wanted, no actually I NEEDED so much MORE on these 2 together. The last part of the book was rushed and I didn't enjoy it because it was like BAM, all over, I even went back to re-read thinking did I miss stuff??? I felt like between the end of fight and epilogue so much was missing for me personally.
What I loved: Sorry, this is so hard for me but here goes:
Crew, I truly loved him, but again the past sort of dictated my hard time to connect. He was so freaking good to them though and I loved seeing it but just wished I had "more" if that makes sense.....
Ever and Julia, LOVED them. Ever was such a beautiful little girl and like I said the brightest star of the story for me. Julia, I really did love her BUT she was too depressing for me. I get it, yes, I know BUT still......... I guess Julia and Crew's coming back together just didn't play out convincing enough for me. Maybe because I needed a lot more of their relationship building, etc.....
Olivia, what a wonderful lady, OMG, loved her:)
Overall, this story that I was excited to read just sort of fell flat for me and this is just my own personal feelings! I know I am in the minority but I can't help how I felt while reading and how I still feel after digesting it. This was my first read by this author but certainly not my last. I always give a new author that I read a second chance if I am not completely sold on that first book I read and I definitely plan on giving her another go in the future! -
Overall Opinion: This story really was touching. The idea of going through having a child with cancer is terrifying, and I think that Ms. Locke wrote about it beautifully. I am a mom, and it made me so grateful that I have healthy children. I loved the overall message that Crew finally got by the end of the story which was that it is the simple things that matter in life. I lost my mom to cancer and in the past I was unable to read/watch anything regarding the subject of cancer because it was too painful, but this was well written to the point that it felt like the author had experience with having a loved one with cancer and understood the feelings that go along with it. Well done Ms. Locke!
Storyline: This is Julia and Crew's story. Julia and Crew met when they were teenagers and began dating. Crew left Julia behind to go to college in Minnesota (they lived in Boston) to wrestle, and some things happened to make the couple split. Julia ends up marrying and having a daughter with Crew's brother, Gage. Gage dies and leaves Julia alone with her daughter. This is where the story starts for us. We meet Julia when she is struggling to pay bills and care for her daughter. Crew and her relationship is not the best, but he drops in to help out frequently and has an amazing relationship with his niece. Julia's daughter, Everleigh, is sick and ends up in the hospital and diagnosed with cancer. After some major struggles and sacrifices;), Julia and Crew reconnect and find their HEA (don't want to give too much away).
POV: Alternating between Julia and Crew's POV
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never experienced the feeling that I wanted to skip ahead or that the feelings between the h/H were too rushed...so just right.
H rating: 4 stars. Crew. Moody, loyal, regretful, sweet ex wrestler/mma fighter. I loved the way he loved them both so completely and was so determined to fix things in any way he could.
h rating: 3 stars. Julia. Strong and a good mom. I felt like even though she was obviously going through a lot, she could've been a little more likable towards Crew
Angst level: High. Tissues needed (but maybe it was just me since I have kids and have lost someone to cancer so it's a hard subject)
Heat level: Moderate. Some sexy times, but mostly about connecting emotionally...I wouldn't necessarily say they were really steamy, but I think that was appropriate for this story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This had a doozy ending with 2 different epilogues...I felt like they provided sufficient closure for a HEA...I'll leave it at that. -
☆ I received an ARC via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
Sacrifice was one hell of an emotional page turner.
What would it be like to have the love of two brothers? One-- who you married but is now deceased. And the other—an old flame of yours, who has always been there for you, through thick and thin, but is also an echo of the past and ever present factor that could be your future.
I really liked the plot of this, as it was something I personally never came across before. Sacrifice was about love, loss, forgiveness, letting go and coping, as well as forging new pathways toward a better tomorrow.
It’s about the unpredictability and fragility that life throws at you and the second chances you are presented with to make do as you see fit.
There were heartbreaking moments, there were poignant points and revelations, as well as, there was undoubtedly steamy moments that fogged up my kindle screen.
Honestly, I'm so happy that I took a chance on this read. Granted, the love aspect of the story seemed a little predictable at glance, but, after taking the time to read it, it wasn’t. It turned out to be much more than what meets the eye.
A riveting and timeless tale by new author to me, Adriana Locke!! I hope to read more from her!!
P.S: This teaser:
Wowza!!! *drools excessively*
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5+ Stars!
HOLY SHIT PEOPLE!
That was freaking amazing!
Crew Grentry, can I just keep him for ever and ever? My gosh I loved every single thing about him, and I mean every single thing.
Honestly? I just can't even with this book. My emotions were everywhere. Seriously I cried, I cried big ugly fat tears, pretty much the entire book. Please, PLEASE have your tissues available and ready.
So if you know anything about me, you know that, with kick ass books, I'm not going to go into detail, because shit read the damn book!
What I will say is that this book gets better and better with every page!
Ahhh-Amazing!!!
READ IT! -
Loved it! Recommended in case you're looking for an emotional read or a good fighter romance book :)
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Bello, ma mi aspettavo decisamente di più. La trama faceva presagire un susseguirsi degli eventi che effettivamente non c'è stato, l'autrice ha preferito concentrarsi su altro e quello soltanto.
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I have to tell you, and as a reader you will totally get this... we read books, and we enjoy them, we read books and we say "oh i loved that story". BUT every now and again we read a book, that opens the door, draws us in, and and then it never ever again leaves our heart because we have found one of those magical books, that pulls every emotion out of us, tears our hearts apart and puts us back together again and leaves no part of you untouched.This book is about love, hope, despair, faith, belief,second chances and SACRIFICE, the kind of sacrifice that every parent lays at the feet of their children and those they love and give freely.
Julia is a young woman who has never had anything easy in her life, from abusive alcoholic parents to love its always been a struggle. She finds and loses happiness with the end of her first love relationship with Crew Gentry only to find love with his brother Gage, and for once her life becomes settled and complete with Gage and their daughter, and even that doesn't last for her. Now its two years after Gages death, Crew is back in her life trying to help and look after Julia and her little daughter and his niece Everleigh. Julia fights this all the way until yet another tragedy strikes that rocks her whole existence. But can she really ever trust Crew again, not only with life but also that of her daughters.
Crew Gentry has always loved Julia from the moment he met her, but he was young and hot headed and got lost for a while, and during that while he lost Julia, the love of his life. He is determined not to make that same mistake again, and will do anything he can to show her that she can put her trust in him again.
I found myself totally captivated with these characters, it was impossible not to feel totally drawn into their world and live this book right along with them. Julia although struggling desperately, was one of the strongest female heroines i have read in a long time and my heart broke for her. Crew was hot, gorgeous and strong and unbending with life, but he was so loving and caring, they way they dealt with every shitty card in their pack just makes you love them more.
This book is a most definite must read, but be prepared for the rest of the world to disappear, because you wont be able to put this book down and will be reading through many tears! 5 fantastic stars isn't even near the ballpark of what this book deserves !! -
Recensione sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
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4,5 stelline
Julia non era più la ragazzina che Crow conosceva una volta
Indubbiamente era cresciuta, ma la donna in cui si era trasformata aveva moltissimo a che fare con le decisioni, anche dolorose, che lui aveva dovuto prendere nel corso degli anni.
Crew Gentry era sconsiderato da tutti un edonista, perché inseguiva le cose che desiderava nel momento stesso in cui le voleva, con scarsa considerazione per le conseguenze future. Non era quel il principe in cui lo vedeva la dolce nipotina Ever, ed era l’esatto opposto di Gage, il padre che la piccola aveva perso in modo prematuro, a causa di un incidente.
Julia dopo la morte del marito aveva voluto allontanare da sé tutti, e, ostinata nel volersela cavare da sola, non aveva mai chiesto nessun tipo di aiuto. Avvisi di ritardo e bollette scadute facevano ormai parte della sua nuova vita da madre single.
Dopo la morte di Gage non aveva voluto più vedere suo fratello, perché parlargli o guardarlo negli occhi era per lei come gettare sale su una ferita ancora aperta. Ma Crew, tipico nel suo stile, faceva di testa propria e, puntualmente, si presentava a casa sua. Certo, una parte di lei apprezzava il suo aiuto, ma il risentimento che provava nei suoi confronti era troppo forte, e prendeva il sopravvento.
«Lui è la ragione per cui tutte le nostre vite sono state sconvolte».
Ma Everleigh gli voleva bene. Tanto.
Amava lo zio e aveva bisogno della sua presenza nella sua giovane vita. Specialmente adesso.
Crew non aveva mai infranto la barriera che c’era tra lui e Julia, nonostante il passato che condividevano.
Il rispetto che aveva per lei, l’amore incondizionato che nutriva per la nipote e, soprattutto i sensi di colpa per quanto era accaduto al fratello, erano un ottimo deterrente. Cercava in ogni modo possibile di aiutarla. Ma con il dovuto rispetto.
“Si era punito in vari modi e mortificazioni dopo la morte di Gage”
Crew aveva deluso Julia, in più occasioni, tanto che lo riteneva inaffidabile. Ed era sicura che, quanto più avrebbe legato con sua figlia, tanto più lei ne avrebbe sofferto.
“Lui era in una posizione perfetta per rendere la vita della bimba migliore o per distruggerla”.
È facile essere un uomo quando sei al posto giusto, quando la vita è semplice e hai successo. Ma la prova che conta davvero, è come si affrontano le cose quando la vita diventa dura, quando ti butta addosso così tanti imprevisti che non riesci a sfuggire abbastanza in fretta.
E l’ostacolo, terrificante, era arrivato.
Per la prima volta nella sua vita Crew aveva preso la decisione di lottare per qualcosa di reale, che contava davvero per lui. Si era messo in gioco, in prima linea, incurante del pericolo che incombeva su di lui.
Avrebbe fatto di tutto per quella bambina. Il rischio non lo spaventava.
«Affronteremo un giorno alla volta Julia.»
«Cosa succede quando i giorni finiranno?»
«Non accadrà. Lo sconfiggeremo.»
Una storia intensa, a tratti molto dolorosa, ci è voluto tanto coraggio per portarla a termine. La difficoltà, grave, che i tre protagonisti si trovano ad affrontare è come un incontro di boxe, dove l’incontro è diviso in più riprese e le variabili sono diverse, molte di queste fuori controllo.
Ma i personaggi della Locke sono sempre in lotta con la vita, avversa e piena di ostacoli, a volte insormontabili. Però vale la pena leggere questi capolavori, intrisi si di commozione e dolore, ma anche di speranza e seconde possibilità. -
5 stelle
Bellissimo! Dalla trama non pensavo fosse così profondo invece mi sono emozionata tantissimo. Ho amato tantissimo la piccola Everleigh 😍. Julia e Crewe una bellissima coppia,Crew poi per amore delle persone amate è disposto a mettere in rischio la propria vita perché quando si ama davvero si è disposti anche a sacrificarsi. -
Oh the feels!
This book is sad and beautiful at the same time. You can feel the love, the insecurities and the pain of the characters.
"Sacrifice", that word will have a new meaning after you read this. Our main characters, Crew, Julia and Ever are so real. So believable.
This story is about a mother ( and a widow ) ready to do everything and anything for her child and A man willing to do the ultimate sacrifice for them!
You do not want to miss this story.
“I turn, touch the side of her face and look into her eyes. I hope she can see what I feel in them. I hope she can see that I’ve loved her since the day I f*cking saw her. I hope she can see that I will love her ‘til the day I die.”
-
+++ 2.5-3 STARS +++
First off let me say, Adriana Locke gives us an amazing alpha in Crew Gentry and Everleigh stole my heart, while Will became what I loved the most about this story. I'm hoping right now with my fingers crossed, that he too will get a book.
Now let's get down to business.
Oh man this book. I feel like there was so much hype about it and I expected more, but ended up disappointed. Maybe my expectations were set to high, or maybe it just wasn't for me. Especially with one scene in particular that turned me off so much I had to stop and collect myself. Up until that point, it was smooth sailing and I was more than ready to see how it would turn out. Even though my frustrations were so high and I almost didn't finish, I pulled through.
Just because this book wasn't for me don't allow this review deter you from reading it. I'm still a fan of Adriana Locke and I look forward to reading her other books. -
3.5 very, very close to 4, but still not 4*
I am a bit torn on how to rate this book. I had no idea this book is so depressing and heartbreaking. I mean, I LOVE that, and I did like it here, but it was a bit like watching someones's really tragical life, like all that was written in the stars for that person is only misery. Like, how much shit do they have to go through?!?! And I just knew it would end like it did. I just knew. Because come on, it would be too weird to actually end perfectly. Seriously, any other ending would be either too happy or too sad.
I actually liked the writing style a lot, I need to check other books by this author. It felt realistic, no sugar coating. A bit too much of Iloveyou's in the second part, but I guess I understand it given the whole story.
